Connecting to transcendentalism

10/16/2011

The American transcendentalists were great thinkers who held many strong beliefs. Many of the ideas transcendentalists concerned themselves with are just as relevant in today's world as they were in the early-mid 1800s. Below are 9 questions to get you thinking about some of the core issues of transcendentalism.

1. What is your favorite place to be when you want to be alone and just focus on your own thoughts and feelings? Why?
2. What do you find most beneficial about being in Nature? If nothing, what don’t you like?
3. When you think about feeling happy and secure, what place does money play in your life? Explain.
4. Who or what has had the single most profound impact on your life? Explain what that thing or person taught you or what you gained from the experience.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself or the world, what would that be? Explain why.
6. When or where do you feel most like “you”? Explain why.
7. How important is self-thought? Explain.
8. How important is individuality? Explain.
9. What are your views about conformity? Provide examples and explain.

Your task: Pick ONE question above, and post your respoonse to it here in a complete paragraph. Your paragraph must include a topic sentence, support, and a clincher sentence.

Comments

Josh Derus

10/20/2011 12:10pm

When I'm in nature, I find it beneficial because of the Experiences there are to gain. While being surrounded by nature, the worries and stresses of society are relieved from me, allowing me to clear my thoughts and observe and think about the way life and its processes work.

Josh Derus(RE-SUBMIT)

10/20/2011 12:18pm

A simple walk through a forest could flip a bad day upside down. When I'm "in nature", I find it beneficial because of the Experiences there are to gain. While being surrounded by nature, the worries and stresses of society are relieved from me, allowing me to clear my thoughts and observe and think about the way life and its processes work. When the little things in life are stressing me out, a nature walk is all that I need to make me realise that my problems aren't that big after all.

Aliee Zirtzlaff

10/20/2011 12:18pm

Relaxation, enjoying life in one breath is how I find nature to be very benefical to myself. I love to spend my time outside reading a book or going on long walks alone as I listen to the water, wind, birds, and the grass crunching beneath my feet. I like quiet places, which brings nature into being a peaceful scenery to my book. To others, nature can be benefical in their own way.

Owen Henriksen

10/21/2011 8:37am

Nature is a place where everything is perfect. Nature is the most beautiful thing in the world. It is a never ending cycle. The smell, the beauty, everything about it makes me feel free. You can't be judged in nature. You don't have to worry about the little world you live in. You can put things in perspective for once. Nature allows you to put everything else aside and just think and smile.

Stephani Feider

10/21/2011 8:40am

Being in Nature is freeing and relaxing and comforting to me as a human. Nature is something I really enjoy looking at on a daily basis whether it would be on a walk or taking pictures. It is comforting to see all the nature that surrounds us everyday that sometime we lose a connection to. Nature gets a person to think of the simple things in life we take for granted. Nature lets me get away from stressful situations and gets me thinking about changes and how something so simple yet so complex has so much beauty. Nature has and always will be around us and I believe everyday people need to take time out of their day to look at nature and enjoy the beauty that it comes with.

Christian Flores

10/21/2011 8:41am

When I like to be alone, I drive out to the kettles, and go for a walk when I need to clear my head and be alone. Conformity, destroys induality and self-thought. People sometimes abondon themselves to fit in.

Kyle Lisowe

10/21/2011 8:58am

I love to be in my backyard on my trampline because then i can just lay there and close my eyes and just relax. It allows me to listen to the cars passing by on a country road near by and hear the birds chirping and the wind making noise. It relaxs me a lot and i feel peaceful inside most of the time. I forget about the stressful world and im able to just relax.

Matthew Gannon

10/21/2011 8:59am

Nature is where it all started. Being in nature helps you appreciate the world and what you have. You get away from everything and retreat to the looks, smells, and environment of nature. Nature is absolute; it may change along witht the seasons, but it is always there wherever you turn. People do not expose themselves to nature as much as they should. Nature brings out the best in people. They forget about work, technology, and all the distractions of the new and developed world. Being in nature helps clear your mind and help you make important decisions that you need to make in life. Since nature is full of life, what better place to go to reflect on life. Nature is all around us and most people do not realize it, but if they take the time to, their lives will enriched in the goodness that it provides.

Marissa Grapentine

10/21/2011 1:06pm

How important is individuality? Explain

Individuality is important in many ways. If everyone looked and acted the same the world would be a very boring place. Being an individual is a big part of today's society. Every person should have their own goals and dreams in life and with those goals and dreams it creates the differences throughout the world.

Dylan Tripoli

10/21/2011 1:21pm

How often do you go somewhere without an electronic device in your pocket? I think that the world today has gotten a little to cluttered with unnecessary devices that only serve as distractions. Sure, they prove to be helpful, but sometimes you need to just go back to the basics and communicate with people face to face. I am not saying that I do not enjoy texting or talking on the phone, I am saying the world today is too reliant on electronic toys. I say we all just take a step back and enjoy what natural resources are here for us in the world. That is what I would like to change about the world today.

Bryce Lueck

10/21/2011 1:27pm

My favorite place to be to be calm would be in the woods where it is really quiet and peacful. Because I can just relax and not think about serious things in life. To be so close nature is so nice and its good be away from society. When I am there I don't have any worries or have to check any updates on my phone or Ipod. It is just really nice to be away from people for a while and not worry about stuff.

Lauren h

10/21/2011 1:27pm

Nature is the best and easiest way to relax. when stressed out from home work,family,ect.take that moment to go outside and just sit down in the grass look up at the beautiful blue sky and relax. Nature is the perfect place to forget about you problem. The fresh air is very refreshing; the trees and flowers are wonderful to look at. So next time your stressed out dont jump on the computer and go straight to facebook to vent, close your computer, book, or phone and step outside. Take some time to relax in the beautiful world around you.

Tyler Siech

10/21/2011 1:29pm

The place were i feel the best is the place were it is survival of the fittist and you have to be awear of everything that is happening around you. That place is the outdoors, I love this place because it is a place were it just makes you feel alone and you have to make sure that you apreciate nature, because nature could harm you for not respecting nature. I also love the outdoors because it forces you to focus and that is just really calming to me. Focus is calming to me because you are able to listen and see everything without being distracted by outside disturbenses. The best thing about the outdoors to me is the thought of having to rely on your own because in life you can't always have someone hold your hand and help you were every you are. And also it makes you feel like you are important and you can do things on your own.

Cody Molkenswagg

10/21/2011 1:31pm

I'd get rid of the human race, we are nothing more than a parasitic infection that doesn't even have the sense to keep the host alive. we consider ourselves better than the forces that created us (no i don't mean god etc) and try to control those forces. We destroy our home and scatter the debris of our indulgences around us like some kind of barricade.

Joe Larson

10/21/2011 1:38pm

What is your favorite place to be when you want to be alone and just focus on your own thoughts and feelings? Why?

Everyone has a place where they go to release their emotions and be alone. My favorite place would be in my room or anywhere i can be alone and sing. for me, singing is a way to let my thoughts and feelings flow. I love to sing and i'm hapy that oi have found a place, and a way to focus the jumble of thoughts into a sharper picture.

Paul Kriegel

10/23/2011 10:49am

When I look at some of the abilities and talents I have learned over my life. I find that they have all been influenced by one common thing, scouting. I’ve been in scouting ever since I was in grade school. It has taught me skills such as time organization, first aid, and money management. But the most important thing that I think I have learned from being in scouting is not to take for granted the things that are provided to you. Being away from the impacts of cities and people you have to work with and rely on those around you to accomplish your goals. Creating your own shelter, starting fires with what you have around you for warmth and to cook with, and catch and cook your own food. It is a very humbling experience and it has given me a broader view on today’s society and how it has forgotten these things. Imagine what your life would be like if you didn’t have a roof over your head or a grocery store to buy food, how would you cope with this situation?

Zone Vang

10/23/2011 7:01pm

1. What is your favorite place to be when you want to be alone and just focus on your own thoughts and feelings? Why?

Usually people has a different place to be alone and just focus on their own thoughts and feelings. My place to be alone and just focus on my own thoughts and feelings is being in my mind. That is the place where I can be by myself and be alone. Being in my mind is peaceful because there is no one but yourself. Being able to be in my own mind, I am glad that I can be in a place like that because that is where I can focus my own thoughts and feelings

Bruce Xiong

10/24/2011 7:51am

The most beneficial thing about nature is the hidden calmness of the chirping birds, the washing of the river and the clearness of just being calm. True inner peace, in my opinion, can be achieved there with no noises form the city and clean air to breath where nothing can be done but to be calm and rejuvenated by the harmony.

Alyssia Kleinhans

10/24/2011 8:29am

Many people have a place that they can go to just be alone. My place would be my room. My room is mine and I can just be alone and clear my head if I need to. I think it is good to have a place to go to be alone because sometimes you just need to get away from everything and everyone.

Jasmin Carron

10/24/2011 8:37am

"When and Where do you feel most like you"? Explain Why.

When I feel most like “me” is when I’m around my family and friends. They bring out the best in me. This can be anywhere; in school, at home. Being around the ones you love just makes your day better. Having people love and know you for who you really are, no acting, no false feelings, you can’t ask for more than that.

Davida

10/24/2011 8:37am

I feel most like "me" when I'm listening to music. It's the one thing I can do without affecting anyone else, helping them or harming them, and it's solely for me. I can relieve or intensify literally any feeling just by picking the right song. If I'm in a good mood, I'll listen to something upbeat. If I'm in the mood to punch someone in the face, I'll listen to, like, Nine Inch Nails or something with a lot of screaming. And if I'm moody and wondering what is the purpose of being alive, Radiohead all the way. And it doesn't matter if anyone makes fun of my playlists. Screw them. My music defines me. It helps me think and it makes me feel better when I don't want to think. I'm absolutely free to be myself when I'm listening to music.

Joa Cain

10/24/2011 8:43am

How important is individuality? Explain.
I think individuality is very important. Being an individual makes you who you are and makes you act the way you act. If all of us were the same then the whole world would be boring and not functional. Being your own person is very important, because if your trying to be like everyone else your not yourself.

Taylor Radder

10/24/2011 9:19am

Conformity is the act of fitting in to the fads and the loop of the world around you. To me it is helpful for a person. Although it elminates the factor of individuality it is something I do agree with. For example: if a new style of clothing is out most people are going to want to fit the status quo and buy and wear the clothes. But at the same time some people want to be individual and wear something that "goes against the grain." Which ever way I look at it, it conformity is a good and bad thing.

marlena

10/24/2011 12:28pm

Nature is benifical to your mind. When your out in nature you forget what happening in your day. If you were stress out you could go for a walk or the beach to feel relief. Nature helps you clear your thoughs and makes you feel better about your day.

Amber Lilyquist

10/24/2011 1:05pm

There's a river about a quarter mile away from my house, not many people go there. The fact the it's so unknown is why I like going there. It's my little spot in the world where I go to clam down if I had a bad day or if I want to do some serious thinking. When I'm there the beauty and the sound of the water puts relief in my mind.
If I could change myself in anyway I wouldn't. I believe that each person is different than each other and if I change something I'll be more like someone else than me. THis is naturally how I am and I'm happy about it. As far as money goes in my life I love and hate it. I love to because it gets me things but I hate it because it can change people and make them greedy.

Tyler Woelfel

10/24/2011 1:05pm

My favorite place to be is my room because I can do whatever I feel like dong in there. I can read, listen to music, or play on guitar to calm down and focus on what I'm feeling. Being in my room is like being free for me.

Ashley Kallenberg

10/24/2011 1:11pm

"When and Where do you feel most like you"? Explain Why

I feel like most like myself when im in my room or out side when I draw. I also feel like myself when im with friends and hanging out. When I draw I can just relax and I can find myself again. When im hanging with friends they make me laugh and feel good and have fun.

kyle luedtke

10/24/2011 1:11pm

what I find to be most benificial about nature is that you get so much fresh air. When you live in the city all your life you are missing out on some high quality air. Nature air is just so crisp and clean and makes your whole body feel better.

katie turicik

10/24/2011 1:14pm

My favorite place to be alone and just think about things is in my car. I just like to drive out to the middle of no where and think. It's nice to be alone, blast my music, and clear my thoughts. Sometimes I'll just through town, but other times I'll go explore places I've never been. It's a good way to get my mind off of the ridiculous things that happen and just think about my own thoughts and feelings.

Harrison DeVries

10/24/2011 1:14pm

When I'm in nature I feel so free. Nature is so peacful and perfect. It is a sanctuary were I am calm and away with my own thoughts.It is a place were everything is at its best and is fresh.Nature is the greatest environment in the world to be.

Dylan McHale

10/24/2011 1:25pm

Technology today has blocked minds, many people forget the beauty of the outdoors or simply just do not care anymore. I think nature is a great place to get away from everything, and ot just be alone for a little while, once it starts to dissapear people will start to miss it more.

Adam Hernandezz

10/24/2011 1:25pm

When i want to focus and be alone, i like to go to my room. An empty room with my thoughts is sufficient, i would prefer to have the whole house to myself so i do not have to worry about excluding myself to one room though. In my room, it is quiet, and the atmosphere is just as what i create it to be.

joseph

10/24/2011 7:01pm

the place that i like to go to get away from everyone to just be alone is in the tractor doing feild work. when im in the feild i am away from everyone and everything. i do not have to wory about doing anything but driveing. It is nice to turn the radio on and just listen to that. I can site and thing about what ever i want. I realy like to get away in the tractor because it is what im good at, its somewhere that i dont have to talk to anyone.

Emily Vorpagel

10/26/2011 8:23am

Nature is a place for me. Nature is relaxation and harmoney working together to from a union. Nature is a place of peace and it is place that i can look at and really see myself. It is a place for me to be me. Whenever im upset or angry nature is the one and only place i can rely on to be there to calm me down and collect my thoughts. Nature is a place for peace and it is a place for me to be me.

Jared Baratka

10/27/2011 11:33am

The one thing I think needs to change in the world is ignorance. Ignorance is partially cured by not letting the ignorant reproduce. Even this is still a flawed plan, considering even the intelligent sometimes reproduce ignorant. But since intelligence is found in the gene pool, the more of that we put in there, the better. Abolition of ignorance could solve so many problems, like war and hate crimes and other things that involve critical thinking to where a poor choice could be made. I fully support the abolition of ignorance.

Michelle Meinnert

10/30/2011 10:04am

At any fair is the best time to get to know the real Michelle. I love the fair it does not matter if it is State or County. The best part of the fair is getting to be with my pigs and cattle more than ever. Animals are a big part of my life and they always have been. Another reason the fair is the best time of year is when I am with my friends that likes all the same things I do. That is why the fair and any fair is the best time to know the real Michelle.

Damon Odgers

10/30/2011 5:35pm

I think individuality is very important. Without individuality, everyone would act the same. Many people give up their individuality to fit in with a certain crowd or to make friends, and those who don't are thought of as weird. Friends have a big influence on people, and no one wants to feel left out, so many people feel like they have to change how they are to fit in. Keeping one's individuality is tough, especially when pressured to fit in with a certain crowd.

Lauren Jenquin

10/31/2011 4:56pm

Whenever I feel the most like me is when I am dancing. When I'm dancing is when I let my self go and let all my feelings out. It is my therapy and it's the only time you will really see the real me. I feel like whenever I am dancing I don't care about anything or what people think because it's what I love to do. I believe that everyone needs something that will release the real them and if they don't have that you really don't know the real you and other people don't know who you really are.

Savannah Johnson

11/01/2011 5:39pm

1. What is your favorite place to be when you want to be alone and just focus on your own thoughts and feelings? Why

-My favorite place to be is either in my room where i can be alone or sit outside on the porch where I can just relax and listen to music. And by doing this it just helps out by just taking things off my mind and not having to put more thoughts into it.

Taylor Liebe

11/02/2011 8:27am

When i am in nature it is more peaceful than in the city. You can hear all of the animals that live there. instead of the horns blowing and people screaming you can hear the birds chirping and the coyotes howling. There is not the stress of having to deal with the troubles of the city. All in all, nature is way nicer than the city.

Amelia LaDuke

11/18/2011 1:06pm

1. What is your favorite place to be when you want to be alone and just focus on your own thoughts and feelings? Why?

My favorite place to be by myself and collect my thoughts would be in my room listening to music by myself. Thats where im the most comfortable and when I have done my best thinking I seem to have been in my room. Thats also where I have made alot of my tough decisions.

Connecting to transcendentalism

Comments

Leave a Reply

Lit and Comp Blog

Archives

Categories